A shortage in new and second-hand farm machinery is fuelling a surge in quad theft from UK farms, warns leading rural insurer NFU Mutual.

Global supply chain problems, shipping delays and the impact of Covid and Brexit have contributed to waiting lists for new quads and increased demand for second-hand kit.

The leading rural insurer’s theft claims data has revealed that although quad theft fell initially over the pandemic, determined criminal gangs are ramping up their efforts with almost half the quad and ATV thefts reported to NFU Mutual in 2021 taking place from September to December.

According to NFU Mutual statistics, the most targeted counties in the UK for quad theft last year were Cumbria, followed by Kent, West Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Leicestershire.

Over the past few weeks Scotland has been the latest part of the UK to suffer a spate of thefts.

To help protect farmers, NFU Mutual is sharing security advice, funding police initiatives to disrupt criminal gangs and working with manufacturers Honda and Yamaha provide customers with free tracking and immobilisation equipment on vehicles bought to replace stolen quads and ATVs, following a paid claim.

Bob Henderson, from the Agricultural Engineering Team at NFU Mutual, said: “The thieves behind this latest surge in quad theft are slicker, more determined and more prolific than before. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of removing keys from machines and securing your quad when it’s not in use.

“Quads are absolutely vital to livestock farmers particularly as we get into peak lambing season, and the thefts we are seeing are hitting farmers twice as hard because of the difficulties getting replacement kit.

“Sadly, we have found that thieves will also return to a farm where they have stolen a quad in the hope of being able to steal its new replacement. That’s why we’re working on the scheme with manufacturers Honda and Yamaha with Datatool to install free tracking devices and immobilisers to protect our customers from repeat crime.

“We also want to help keep farmers - who often work alone - safe. The immobiliser systems have smart technology which can raise the alarm if a machine has been impacted or rolled over.”

DC Chris Piggott, Agricultural Vehicle Lead for the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), said: “The supply shortages mean the criminals are cashing in on this ready-made illicit market and we are also urging people to thoroughly check what they are buying and not to fuel theft against a fellow farmer.

“After removal of keys, trackers and immobilisers are the most effective measures against quad theft acting as both a deterrent and also increasing the chance of police recovering the vehicle and catching the people behind these crimes.

“At NaVCIS we are working with police forces across the UK to share intelligence and disrupt criminal gangs. We are urging anyone who has any information about quad theft to report it to 101 or share information anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

To help members who have been the victim of quad theft to get up and running again, NFU Mutual is covering the cost of the tracker and immobiliser installation and the first year’s subscription. The insurer is also looking to install trackers and immobilisers on other brands if they meet the required standard and fitting cost.

To support with the costs of fitting security devices to equipment, NFU Mutual already offers insurance discounts for a range of approved devices from mechanical measures to CESAR marking, electronic tracking to immobilisers.

NFU Mutual and the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service are issuing the following advice:

• Always remove keys and keep them stored securely, away from the vehicle
• When not in use, keep quads and ATVs locked up out of sight
• Install tracking devices and immobilisers to make it easier for police to recover stolen vehicles - most modern tracking devices are GPS enabled, with alarms/alerts that will send a message informing you if your machine is being tampered with. You can also set working hours and Geofences to alert you if a machine is being moved outside of a pre-set working area.
• Use CESAR marking to deter thieves and enable police to identify stolen machinery 
• Target-harden your quad by creating a security cage or use a mechanical device such as steering brake/lock, ground anchor or wheel clamp when not in use - these devices are both visible and physical deterrents to thieves
• Know what you own – keep records of serial numbers and photographs of your kit including unique identifying features
• When buying a new quad insist on a chipped key and immobilisation system

More advice on farm vehicle security and crime trends is available in NFU Mutual’s 2021 Rural Crime Report:  https://www.nfumutual.co.uk/farming/ruralcrime/